In the UAE, expatriates have the opportunity to obtain a residence visa, an Emirates ID, and the ability to sponsor their family members, even if they are not employed or running a business in the country. This is possible through three types of self-sponsored residence visas. Here are the details:
- Remote Work Visa – One Year: This visa allows individuals to live in the UAE and work remotely for employers based outside the UAE. It is valid for one year and permits remote workers to sponsor their family members. To apply for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Prove that you work remotely for an organization outside the UAE.
- Have a monthly income of at least $3,500 (or its equivalent in another currency).
- Hold a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Maintain valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE.
- Two-Year Residence Visa for Real Estate Investors: If you invest in real estate in the UAE, you have the option to obtain a self-sponsored residence visa for two years. To be eligible for this visa, you must own property valued at a minimum of Dh750,000. If you and your spouse jointly own property of this value, you can also apply for this visa through the Dubai Land Department’s Cube Centre.
- Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors: For investors with properties worth Dh2 million or more, there’s an opportunity to obtain a Golden Visa, which is valid for 10 years. Here are the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa through real estate investment:
- Real estate investors can qualify for a Golden Visa when they purchase a property valued at least Dh2 million.
- Investors can also obtain the Golden Visa when buying property with a loan from specific local banks.
- Another option is to obtain the Golden Visa by purchasing one or more off-plan properties, each valued at no less than Dh2 million, from approved local real estate companies.
- UAE Retirement Visa – Five Years: Retirees aged 55 and above have the chance to apply for a five-year retirement visa. The requirements are as follows:
- Have a minimum of 15 years of work experience within or outside the UAE, or be 55 years or older upon retirement.
- Own property or properties worth no less than Dh1 million, have financial savings of no less than Dh1 million, or possess a monthly income of Dh20,000 (Dh15,000 a month for Dubai). Additionally, you must provide your bank statements for the last six months.
These self-sponsored residence visas in the UAE offer flexibility and various options for individuals, including remote workers, real estate investors, and retirees.
